Remember that frenzied first day of free agency, 2013?
Get ready for the sequel, Miami Dolphins fans.
The Dolphins are poised to once again break the bank - perhaps as soon as the clock strikes 4 p.m. Tuesday.
By all indications, left tackle Branden Albert will be a Miami Dolphin by the close of business. But that's just the beginning of first-year general manager Dennis Hickey's plans.
A source close to the situation said the team will make significant plays for additional offensive linemen and a top defensive tackle in the days to come.
However, at safety, they plan to be a bit more frugal.
Reports surfaced Sunday and Monday that the Dolphins would be a major player for standout Bills safety Jairus Byrd. However, he's said to be expecting in the neighborhood of $9 million annually.
The Dolphins are already paying big money to Reshad Jones. The math isn't there for another mega contract for a position not of need.
Instead, they will likely continue their pursuit of former Lion Louis Delmas. Chris Clemons could also return to the team at the right price.
The Dolphins have roughly $34 million in available salary cap space - among the most in the league.
And they plan to use it, particularly on an offensive line that was arguably the worst in football a year ago. The Dolphins allowed a franchise-record 58 sacks and lost at least two starters (Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin) to the workplace misconduct scandal.
Incognito and fellow bully John Jerry are two of the team's 12 unrestricted free agents. Martin remains under contract, but will likely be either released or traded.
The Dolphins can officially put owner Stephen Ross' money to use at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Barring an unforeseen reversal, Albert will put pen to paper sometime shortly thereafter. He's expected to sign a multi-year contract paying him, on average, between $8 million and $10 million.
Albert, 29, lives in South Florida in the offseason and could be at the team's headquarters whenever the Dolphins ask. The Chiefs left tackle is considered one of the best pass-protectors in the game.
But the Dolphins will need to fill up to three other vacancies on the offensive line. Versatile Rams lineman Rodger Saffold was high on Hickey's wish list, but he'll probably cost too much. The Raiders are said to want Saffold to play tackle; the Dolphins prefer him as a guard.
Instead, the Dolphins will likely focus on Jets tackle Austin Howard, and possibly Saints lineman Zach Strief, should both shake free, as expected.
Strief was the highest-graded right tackle in football in 2013, according to the scouting service Pro Football Focus. He allowed just three sacks in 1,062 snaps.
Howard, meanwhile, allowed two sacks in just 1,071 plays.
But that's just the beginning of the Dolphins' plans. They'll need a defensive tackle to replace Paul Soliai and Randy Starks, neither of whom are expected to return.
Top options include Henry Melton (Bears), Jason Hatcher (Cowboys), Earl Mitchell (Texans) and Linval Joseph (Giants).
Melton is six months removed from a torn ACL. Hatcher will be 32 when the season begins. But Mitchell and Joseph are young, healthy and productive.
Mitchell played nose tackle in Houston, taking on many of the double teams that allowed J.J. Watt to make plays. All four are expected to command healthy contracts.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Branden Albert is expected to sign with Miami on Tuesday. But a source said the team will make significant plays for additional offensive linemen and a top defensive tackle.
Dolphins
Branden Albert continues to be the Dolphins' top free agent priority, and there are growing indications that he will sign with the team on the first day allowed.
Dolphins
Branden Albert has vaulted to the top of the Miami Dolphins' wish list, and Rodger Saffold isn't too far behind.
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Posted by Unknown on Monday, March 10, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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